Nashville Boat Rental and Pontoon Accidents: Summer Injury Risks for Tourists
Nashville is known for kayaking, jet skiing, boating, and other watercraft activities, making it a perfect destination for tourists. In the Volunteer State, pontoon boats are becoming more popular for their ease of use and ample deck space. While boating traffic increases during the summer months, so do boating and pontoon accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat rental or pontoon accident, our Nashville tourist accident attorneys at Raybin & Weissman are here to represent your interests.
Common Injuries from Boating Accidents
Brain Injuries
A boating accident can cause a passenger to strike their head on railings, seats, or other structures within the vessel, causing brain injuries. If a passenger is thrown from the boat, they may strike their head on nearby objects, causing further damage. The most common type of brain injury, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), can occur from any strike or blow to the head. A TBI disrupts normal brain function, with symptoms presenting as dizziness, confusion, vomiting, mood swings, and sensitivity to light. TBI symptoms may be temporary, but in more severe cases, a person may suffer permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A high-speed collision can cause the spine to endure a great deal of force, resulting in a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury can damage vertebrae, discs, or the spinal cord itself. Injury to the spinal cord is more likely if a rental boat or pontoon capsizes, causing the spine to twist or compress. Spinal cord injuries can impact mobility, bladder and/or bowel control, or the ability to feel hot and cold. However, the degree of paralysis will depend on whether the spinal cord is completely severed and the site of injury.
Drowning or Near-Drowning
Although boating on the open water can be an exhilarating experience, it does come with risks. Inexperienced boaters who execute sharp turns or abrupt stops may cause a passenger to be thrown overboard. This may occur due to an inability to navigate rough waters. Even experienced swimmers are at risk of submersion injuries, which can lead to acute respiratory distress, brain damage, and death.
Fractures
Boating and pontoon accidents are commonly associated with wrist, arm, and leg fractures. In some cases, a passenger may experience facial fractures, which, if left untreated, can cause vision problems and nerve damage. While some fractures can heal on their own, others may require surgical intervention.
Burns
Boat fuel tanks can explode upon collision or if gas vapors are released into the engine compartment. A fire or explosion can cause skin burns, with serious burns causing nerve damage and requiring skin grafts. While physical injuries cannot be denied, disfigurement and scarring can lead to emotional injuries, requiring victims to seek mental health services.
Do I Have a Valid Boating Accident Claim?
If you have been injured as a tourist on a boat rental or pontoon, you need to establish that the boating operator or rental company failed to act with reasonable care. Proving each element requires that you present evidence, which our Nashville tourist accident attorneys can assist in gathering.
A successful boating accident claim requires proving the following:
- Duty of care: Every boating operator or rental company has a duty to follow boating regulations and maintenance standards to ensure the safe operation of the vessel.
- Breach of duty: The boating operator or company failed to act with reasonable care, which may involve speeding, ignoring weather warnings, operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, improper maintenance, or negligent entrustment.
- Causation: You suffered injuries as a direct result of the conduct.
- Damages: You sustained measurable losses due to the accident, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Speak with Our Nashville Tourist Accident Lawyers Today
A boat rental or pontoon accident can leave you with serious injuries, resulting in lost income and hospital bills. If you have been injured while boating in Nashville, our legal team at Raybin & Weissman would like to assess the true worth of your accident case. To schedule your free, no-risk consultation with one of our Nashville tourist accident attorneys, contact us online or by phone at (615) 256-6666 today.